Mansell backs 80mph speed limit

The Government's plan to raise the speed limit from 70 mph to 80 mph has received support from former Formula One world champion Nigel Mansell.

The retired British racing driver has backed the plan for a higher speed limit as advances in safety and motoring technology have made the existing 50-year-old limit out of date. He said: "I don't see why that becomes a problem. When I was a young man cars weren't really able to do 70 mph. They are very safe now."

The then Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond put the plans out for consultation last autumn after pressure from motoring groups who argued that the current speed limit was due for revision.

Mr Mansell also weighed in on the speed camera debate. He suggested that although they initially designed to save lives in dangerous places, many drivers now felt new cameras were placed in positions to ensure they collected the most amount of money.

However, the former Formula 1 world champion did admit that there were still far too many accidents on British roads. High accident rates mean thatcar insurance policies remain an important tool for motorists to have to protect their vehicle.